.png)
LU4 Q&A
Linguistics
Is the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis valid?
On the aspect of Linguistic Determinism, it is found that the many different cultures share similar characteristics in term of language structures. In contrast, it is also determined that languages that have different language structures are being used by people of similar cultures. Hence, there no evidence that necessarily indicates that culture or races coincides with the language spoken (Boas, 1911).
Are polyglots able to learn multiple languages fluently?
It appears that most polyglots are able to acquire languages easily. However, the proficiency of these acquired languages differ (Proverbio et al, 2006). It seems that age is the main factor in affecting acquisition of languages with fluency as capacity for learning these languages decreases aligning with the effect of maturation on language acquisition (Long, 1990).
How does first language attrition happen?
First language attrition is the loss of being able to speak one’s mother tongue, or their first language (L1). There are many factors as to why this could happen despite the language being their first and considerably, their most used and most important. According to Park (2018), first language attrition might happen because of interference with their second language (L2). If L2 is being used even more, there will be a lack of contact in L1, thus making it possible for L2 is replace L1 completely. In addition, Park argued that a monolingual speaker may also lose their only language due to aging, or due to damage to their brain that might cause aphasia or agnosia.